Car of the Year for 1997: The Plymouth Prowler
When you think of the “Plymouth Prowler” what will usually come to mind for Plymouth enthusiasts is quality, stability and lots of history. The Prowler has been one of the premier vehicles of the Plymouth line for over ten years. It is an important car and the 1997 model is no exception. The Plymouth Prowler falls into the convertible for the family category.
1997 Plymouth Prowler Base Specs
The restyled Prowler Base is equipped with a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine that utilizes 24 valves. The engine is mated to a Chrysler four-speed transaxle. This has resulted in an increase in horsepower and torque over the 1996 version.
The Prowler uses power-assisted brakes, with Non-ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The car uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.
The fuel system for the 1997 Prowler is a SFI design, using gasoline fuel. The fuel flow is controlled by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The fuel capacity of the fuel tank is 12.00 gallons.
Statistics
113.30 of wheelbase allows for extra leg room for the rear passengers. It sits 50.90 inches off the ground. It seats a standard two passengers, with 2 doors. The dimensions of the Prowler Base are 165.30 inches long by 76.50 inches wide.
The standard warranty period for the Prowler is 36 months, or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. There is also a warranty on the powertrain for 36 months or 36,000 miles respectively. This is standard in the convertible market.
Pricing is a vital consideration when shopping for a car. The Plymouth Prowler lists at $38,300 when new. The dealer cost on the car was $35,863. This price was average compared to the industry average price for a 2-door convertible.
MPG Ratings
The 1997 Prowler gets 23 miles/gallon on the highway and only 17 in the city. This is subpar for a convertible car.
In 1996 and 1997 the Prowler Base was availble in the exterior colors of several colors. Additional options were available as special orders from the factory.
What We Think of the Plymouth Prowler
In summation the 1997 Plymouth Prowler Base was a great success. Plymouth responded to critisims about the 1996 Prowler and made sweeping changes. The result is a great car and even better convertible. Let’s hope the Plymouth Prowler for 1997 is a sign of the future.